Sunday Rant & Rave: Comforting strangers, rude thieves

RAVE To the people who calmed me down as I hysterically cried after my newly purchased car was hit by a driver who ran a red light. I’m only 18 and had never been in a serious accident. They stayed by my side ’til I went to the hospital and comforted me, even making me chuckle a few times. I’m so lucky and glad to have had such kind souls help me out in a tough situation.

RANT AND RAVE Rant to the couple who pulled up behind me at the Salvation Army donation site and grabbed the bags of items I’d just donated, threw them in their car and drove off. I was speechless, and the woman was classless enough to flip me off as they exited the parking lot. Rave to all the wonderful individuals who donate to such a great charity.

RAVE To the florist who prepared a lovely funeral display on short notice and thoughtfully included a small driftwood display of mushrooms with the flowers after overhearing my comment, “He would have loved a bouquet of chanterelle mushrooms.” The family of Al Crosetti, a founding member of the Puget Sound Mycological Society and avid mushroomer, were thrilled by the unexpected touch. It’s nice to know people listen and really go beyond their job to help clients.

RAVE AND RANT Rave to the 10 percent of bicyclists who give your sport some class by announcing your approach from behind with a ring on the bell or “on your left.” Rant to the 90 percent of bicyclists who don’t. I’m terrified you’re going to collide with my 80-year old parents, who walk daily on the trails and don’t hear your near-silent approach. A run-in with a bike could kill them.

RAVE To the Seattle firefighters of Station 35 who stopped by with a get-well card for my husband when they heard he was having surgery the next day. Their thoughtfulness meant so much.

RANT To all of the motorists in Seattle who don’t know what an unmarked crosswalk is: check out the law (RCW 46.160, WAC 132E-16-040, WAC 504-14-940) before you get in your car and try to run pedestrians over. I’ve been yelled at, harassed, flipped off and threatened because I dared cross at an unmarked crosswalk although I wait for traffic, don’t step in front of a moving vehicle or jaywalk.

RAVE To the kind soul who found my eyeglasses and put them in the crook of a tree so I could find them. When I realized my glasses were gone, I retraced my steps and found them in the tree near where we’d stopped to enjoy watching the ferries in front of the Seattle skyline. Thank you!